KUALA LUMPUR – The politicking among certain leaders should also be blamed for the emergency rule that Malaysia has found itself under, said Agora Society’s Josh Hong.
He reminded the public that while Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was the one who advised the king to declare an emergency, it takes two to tango.
Hong believes that the drastic action taken by Muhyiddin was largely influenced by what has been unfolding in the country’s political arena of late.
“Some members of the opposition and ruling coalition have let the people down. They are so involved in political bickering and chicanery.
“We believe that it is the failure of both sides of the political divide that created this condition for the prime minister to resolve this unnecessary measure (by) declaring an emergency,” he told an online press conference organised by the Civil Society Organisation Platform for Reform.
Muhyiddin’s position came under serious threat after Umno’s Machang MP, Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub, withdrew his support on Saturday, leaving the prime minister with the backing of just 110 of 220 lawmakers.
Just three days later, Padang Rengas MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, also of Umno, made a similar announcement, resulting in Muhyiddin losing his simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
However, Nazri’s declaration came too late, as hours earlier, Istana Negara announced that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has consented to Muhyiddin’s request for an emergency proclamation, effectively keeping the prime minister’s position safe.
Umno, meanwhile, was supposed to pass a resolution at its general assembly at the end of this month to pull its support for the ruling Perikatan Nasional, which would force a general election.
Muhyiddin has said the emergency was declared due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, and that elections must be put on hold to ensure no further spike in infections.
Hong urged all politicians to set aside their differences amid the health crisis, and come together to help the country overcome the pandemic.
“The politicians claiming to represent the nation are busy fighting (for) their own interests. Stop politicking and focus on fighting alongside healthcare workers.
“We especially need a more effective opposition to ensure checks and balances.”
Agora Society describes itself as a loose network of individuals who believe in the principles of democracy and good governance. – The Vibes, January 15, 2021
